Argentine Banking Union Announces National Strike at Central Bank and Banco Hipotecario

The Asociación Bancaria, Argentina's primary banking sector union, has announced a national strike targeting the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) and Banco Hipotecario. Scheduled for May 13, the strike will occur during the last three hours of public service operations. The union cites "arbitrary and unacceptable decisions" by the authorities of both institutions as the reason for the work stoppage, asserting that these actions "gravely affect workers."

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From the Asociación Bancaria, we call for a national strike during the last three hours of public service, for Wednesday, May 13, at the BCRA and Banco Hipotecario, in rejection of the arbitrary and unacceptable decisions adopted by the authorities of both entities, which gravely affect the workers.

Specifically concerning the BCRA, the union, led by Sergio Palazzo, is protesting a decision to close 12 of the country's 21 regional treasury offices. La Bancaria argues that this move could result in the loss of 32 jobs and represents a "hollowing out of essential functions," with significant negative impacts on regional economies and social welfare. This is not the first time the union has taken action; a 24-hour strike was previously held on April 27 over the same issue, but the union claims the authorities remain "intransigent" and unwilling to engage in dialogue.

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This decision could imply the loss of 32 jobs and represents a hollowing out of essential functions, seriously affecting regional economies with a clear social impact.

Regarding Banco Hipotecario, La Bancaria denounces the "systematic closure of branches and the execution of unjustified dismissals across the country." The union firmly rejects any layoffs and policies aimed at reducing staff, which it argues deteriorate working conditions. From an Argentine perspective, this conflict highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and state-affiliated financial institutions over employment security and operational decisions. The union's strong stance and threat of further action underscore the deep-seated concerns about job security and the potential economic fallout for regional areas affected by these closures.

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Despite the action taken on April 27 in the regional treasuries and formal steps before the Secretariat of Labor, the authorities have chosen to maintain their intransigent position, without willingness to dialogue or review these policies.